Syed Alatas Mansion

A pretty dry experience

What we say:

Originally belonging to Syed Mohamad Alatas, a spice trader and the leader of the Acheen Street Mosque community during the Penang riots of 1867, it's believed this house was used as a base for the Acehnese leaders during their war against the Dutch. It's speculated that Syed Mohamad Alatas provided arms too. The mansion was restored in 1994 and has been converted into the Penang Islamic Museum. The museum deals with the coming of Islam to Malaysia, the role of the Muslim community and its influence on arts and crafts. One room has been kept aside and recreated as it would've looked originally. Overall the experience is quite dry with lots of information to read but there are some interesting sections. A visit won't take you long.